NSU vs. Southern University and A & M College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches, LA with Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is larger than Southern University and A & M College based on total student enrollment (8,523 students vs. 7,452 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern State University of Louisiana is located in Natchitoches, LA (Remote Town setting); Southern University and A & M College is in Baton Rouge, LA (Midsize City setting).
• Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern University and A & M College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 16:1; Southern University and A & M College 21:1.

NSU vs. Southern University and A & M College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Southern University and A & M College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northwestern State University of Louisiana than Southern University and A & M College ($13,134 vs. $18,353).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern University and A & M College are 26.6% lower than at Northwestern State University of Louisiana ($8,018 vs. $10,926).
• Southern University and A & M College is 11.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $1,058 more per year; $9,922.00 vs. $8,864.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.8% higher at NSU than at Southern University and A & M College (about $2,380 more per year; $19,652.00 vs. $17,272.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern State University of Louisiana than at Southern University and A & M College (93% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern State University of Louisiana students is 52.3% larger than aid received by Southern University and A & M College students ($12,098 vs. $7,945).

NSU vs. Southern University and A & M College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Southern University and A & M College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Southern University and A & M College and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (1010) is 100 points higher than at Southern University and A & M College (910).
• Incoming NSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Southern University and A & M College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 866/1163; Southern University and A & M College 790/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 18/24; Southern University and A & M College 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Southern University and A & M College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern University and A & M College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Southern University and A & M College (3.1).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than Southern University and A & M College (35.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 37.4% at NSU vs. 20.1% at Southern University and A & M College.

NSU vs. Southern University and A & M College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Southern University and A & M College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Northwestern State University of Louisiana's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Southern University and A & M College's (19%).
• Graduates from Northwestern State University of Louisiana earn a median of about $100 more per year than Southern University and A & M College graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,100 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates have a $9,219 lower median loan debt than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($21,531 vs. $30,750).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $95 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($222 vs. $317).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern University and A & M College students, three years after graduation. (46% vs. 25%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.